Apple Issues Apology for iPhone Performance Slowdown and Announces Battery Discounts
Last week, Apple found itself at the center of a major controversy after users and researchers discovered that the company had been intentionally reducing the performance of certain iPhone models following the release of iOS 10.2.1 and 11.2.0. The affected devices included the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, and iPhone 7 (including their Plus versions).
The issue was directly related to the lithium-ion batteries used in these devices. By lowering the CPU frequency, Apple engineers aimed to address various bugs, such as unexpected device shutdowns caused by cold temperatures, peak workloads, and the natural degradation of batteries over time.
Although Apple’s reasoning was clear and logical—there were legitimate technical reasons for slowing down processors to prevent bugs—the company faced widespread criticism. The main problem was that Apple did not promptly inform users about why their devices were suddenly running slower. While the issue could be resolved with a simple battery replacement, many users assumed it was time to replace their entire phone when it started to lag noticeably.
To make matters worse, Apple has long discouraged “unauthorized” repairs, making it difficult for third-party service centers to operate. Official Apple Stores are not available in every country, so even a simple battery replacement is often not an easy option. For example, while replacing an iPhone 6S battery at a regular repair shop might cost around $39, the same service at an official Apple center would cost $79 and require an appointment.
Apple’s Official Apology and New Measures
Apple has now published an official letter of apology:
“We understand that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize. There has been a lot of misunderstanding around this issue, and we want to clarify the situation and tell you about some changes we’re making. First and foremost—we have never, and would never, do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product.”
To make amends, Apple has taken a significant step. The company announced that throughout 2018, the price for battery replacements at Apple service centers would be reduced by nearly two-thirds—from $79 to $29—for owners of iPhone 6 and newer models.
Additionally, Apple stated that in 2018, iOS would receive new features allowing users to monitor detailed battery health information and see whether the battery’s condition is affecting device performance.
Furthermore, Apple has created a special section on its website with detailed explanations about how battery performance is linked to the overall performance of Apple devices.